22. Jonah was the prophet who served during the reign of Jeroboam II in the Eighth Century before Christ. God gave Jonah a job to do, and he ran away. 1. (6) When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. He does all this to get Jonah to Nineveh. Jonah then goes to Ninvaha, tells them to repent and the whole city believes Jonah and repents. The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God Recognizing the showing off ways to get this ebook The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God is additionally useful. Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it. But Jonah doesn't want to do God's bidding to he jumps. An encyclopedia hit the nail on the head as it described the lesson that God taught Jonah through the worm destroying the plant that gave him such delight in an emotional and tiring time in his life. Did he leap for joy and shouted hooray? Fr. The only disobedient figure in the book of Jonah is Jonah. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. (b)How may the account about Jonah help us to take an honest look at ourselves? Tell them that they better start believing in Me and doing the right things I want them to do or else I'm going to send fire down from Heaven to destroy their city and burn them up." But Jonah didn't want to go preach to the people of Nineveh. They are just nothing but mere pretension. Yes, that means precisely what it says: Jonah was preferring death over the advance of Gods grace to Nineveh. The 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, are likely infants. Jonah was cast into the sea and did not drown. Meanwhile, as soon as Jonah was thrown from the ship, the storm stopped and the water became calm again. The record of Jonah ends there, so we dont know what happened to Jonah after that, but we can hope that he learned what the Lord wanted him to learn and that he repented of his attitude and actions. Through games, drawing their own comic strip, a DIY Big Gulp of Jonah toy, and a Jonah in a Big Fish puppet, kids learn that God is compassionate and gracious. God's Interest in All People I am so grateful for technology. Prophet Jonah disobeyed God and attempted to escape, but God caught him red-handedly. That is where the Gourd and the Worm come in. This would take him weeks if not months! Kia Ora Gramps.Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? The origin or source of the grace Jonah disdained is God. Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive the Jonah character overview. Sometimes when we read Jonah we shake our heads and go seesh really? He gets tossed around by a storm and swallowed by a whale (or big fishwhatever floats your boat). His most recent book is a second edition release: Hit by Friendly Fire: What to do when Another Believer Hurts You(Resource Publications, 2022). So when the Lord told Jonah that Nineveh was wicked and ripe for destruction, it would be easy to see why Jonah would be pleased by this; and why he would be less pleased to be called by the Lord to call the city of Nineveh to repentance. The lesson that God loves us while we are living in rebellion is of great hope to our nation today. I hope these 5 keys have made you hungry to dive more into Gods word. Yet the city of Nineveh had sixscore thousand people (Jonah 4:11) who didnt know any better and Jonah thinks their preservation is a bad thing? He learned to be merciful. Perhaps, he was angry, because the warning he had given them had not been carried out. But have you thought of what you also deserve? Lesson #2. 8 This detail may seem odd, but it is not without precedent in ancient times. So, when Jonah was on a ship, there was a storm and the sailors threw Jonah into the sea. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah tried to run away from God. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. Notice, Nineveh is northeast of Israel and Tarshish is in the west. They are the enemies of Israel. At this point we find our first great lessons regarding God's sovereignty. In fact, the narrator uses the same grammatical structure as in Jonah 4:1. 2. Lastly, I get commissions for purchases made through my Amazon affiliate links in this website. Thank you, Jesus! But dont forget to download my free Jonah character study pdf! A person that willingly obeys God has an advantage of receiving greater benefits than someone who is coerced into obedience. Roger J. Landry Columbia Catholic Ministry, Notre Dame Church, Manhattan Wednesday of the First Week of Lent March 1, 2023 Jonah 3:1-10, Ps 51, Lk 11:29-32 To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below: [coming] The following points were attempted in the homily: We're now one week into [] When thinking about this book as a whole, and what God is trying to teach Jonah, what does this mean for us. If they listened to God's warningif they repented then God might spare them, and they would remain a looming threat. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 5) He is thrown into the water. 3 When Jehovah ordered Jonah to Nineveh the second time, the prophet obediently headed east on this long journey. We dont deserve mercy and compassion. Jonah would not weep over a people who came close to destruction, but "Jesus, the true prophet, did.". Jonah was then swallowed by a great fish and was brought to Nineveh. What gets missed is Jonah's repentance . This lesson shows the importance of believers obeying God's command to. So God performed additional miracles. The Lord provided a gourd or plant that protected Jonah. Jonah flat out doesnt want to go to Nineveh. [And]Jesus did not merely weep for us; he died for us. Why does God allow good people to suffer? Here is part of the prayer in Jonah 2. Jonah, that prophet that tried to run away from God, continues to bring us lessons on obedience, running away from God's commands, a hatred that stops one from sharing the Gospel, and many more. We could be preaching, but our hearts may not be in preaching. You could really see the clear intent of Jonah here that he really didnt want to do the job he was called to do. What sign is God giving me to trust in him? Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? This is a great Jonah and the whale lesson. We read: Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God. (Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to Nineveh the great city. (Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11) Why was this city great, or important, to Jehovah? Jonah, that prophet that tried to run away from God, continues to bring us lessons on obedience, running away from God's commands, a hatred that stops one from sharing the Gospel, and many more. As Jonah said, God is a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.. 2) So he ran from God. (Read Matthew 12:41.) We all have our opinions, and ideas about how things should happen or be. No. (Read Jonah 3:5.) Instead, it seems, he was on a downward spiral into a mire of bitterness, self-pity, and wounded pride. God called Jonah to a mountaintop and showed him all the lands of His creation. Rather than the story being only about Nineveh, or about God's message, all of the lessons seem to be centered in the person of Jonah. Let us see what we can gather from Jonahs struggle. We are all sinners who are worthy of death. Jonah didn't want to go there because the Ninevites were wicked people (see Jonah 1:2), and Jonah knew that when he came there to preach to the people, they'd repent and be spared from God's impending wrath (see Jonah 4:2). What can we learn from Jonahs attitude toward the repentance of the Ninevites? How did Jonah show faith and courage as he preached in Nineveh? So, grab your Bible and let's go on an adventure in God's Word! In faith, Jonah knew that he would be delivered. 4,5. For, Jonah, this is unthinkable and so, HE FLED! The book of Jonah is remarkable for several reasons. Rather Jonah became a reluctant prophet because he knew God's grace would overwhelm Israel's enemy. Jonah suggested that he should have stayed home, on his own ground. (a)How does Jehovah show that he is reasonable, adaptable, and merciful? | 2. The Lord provided a gourd or plant that protected Jonah. He claimed that he knew all along that Jehovah would not bring calamity on Nineveh, even using that as an excuse for his running away to Tarshish in the first place. (See also footnote.) 9. A gourd, an easterly winder, and even a worm, all over the Lord without any protests. 1:17; 4:6, 7). The book of Jonah begins with these words: "Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Ammittai, saying, arise, go to Nineveh, that great city and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.". Clearly the Lord knew what Jonah would do, and it seems the Lord was prepared to use that to further His own ends. PDF to print for family reading. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Ways Anxiety Dominates the Christian Mind. Enable me with the strength to be conscious of your expectations and meet them! Im having trouble understanding the story. Since we interpret Scripture by other Scriptures, and since our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told the book of Jonah as history (Matthew 12:39-41), so must we. And when God did not destroy Nineveh, Jonah became angry. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?'" 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Even if Jonah obeyed God from the start, it would still have been easier to send an angel or to appear as a pillar of cloud. Why arent prophets giving us specific signs to watch for? Instead of us being beaten, insulted, and crucified, Yahshua did it for us. Jonah did not weep over the city, but Jesus, the true prophet, did. 19,20. Jehovahs righteous anger against Nineveh simply abated. . Clearly, Jonah did learn a vital lesson from Jehovahs wise instruction. We read: "Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God." ( Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to "Nineveh the great city." ( Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11) Why was this city great, or important, to Jehovah? 3 - 4 ) Jonah's Renewed Commission and Obedience ( 3:1-4) The Endangered Ninevites' Repentant Appeal to the Lord ( 3:5-9) There are treasures to be learned and applied in every chapter. Or a friend? . Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. As Jonah obeys God the people of Nineveh believe God's message and repent. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.). He ran from God not merely because he was afraid of God, but because he really did not want to bring the good news of God's grace to his enemies. by Shelby Faith. In his mind, they deserve nothing but death. | The Bible states that the Lord had Jonah caught by a giant fish for three days and then vomit him up (presumably near Nineveh). Jonahs story may help us to take an honest look at ourselves. 12,13. In the 4th chapter of Jonah, we see God's love and grace contrasted with Jonah's anger and lack of compassion. All 4 chapters of Jonah paints this picture of how we are to process our sin or disobedience before God. We pray, OLord, please do not let us perish for this mans life, anddo not charge us with innocent blood; for You, OLord,have done as it pleased You. Jonah 1:14, Then the fun stuff happens Please observe picture below. You see, the Day of Atonement is a reminder that part of humbling ourselves and repenting of our sins is to do the work God has called us to do. 14. Nineveh was a great wealthy city with many people ( Jonah 4:11 ). Jonah repented while in the belly of a fish; God heard his voice and saved him. He was the earliest of the prophets and close behind Elisha in his place in the Old Testament. They are the archenemy of the nation of Israel. However, anyone who willingly obeys God has the advantage of receiving greater benefits than a person who was coerced into obedience. And now, no doom was coming. He would have very likely carried PTSD and claustrophobia with him for the rest of his life. Is it true that it never rained before Noah? Ive read that the Lord wanted to show Jonah that He loves all His people. Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? Oddly enough Jonah was not too happy about that. Learn More. Jonahs example serves to remind us that when we disagree with Jehovah God, it is always our own point of view that needs an adjustmentnever His. God used the bottle-gourd plant to teach Jonah a lesson in mercy, 20 God reasoned with Jonah, saying that the prophet was feeling sorry over the death of a mere plant that had sprung up overnight, one that Jonah neither planted nor caused to grow. 7 Jonahs message got the Ninevites attention. 18:7,8. I think not. The Lord called Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, but Jonah fled and was swallowed by a great fish. Could we be like that brethren? Please keep me ever worthy of your kingdom! Jonah's lack of response indicates that he got the point. Perhaps he still clung to the hope of witnessing her destruction. 8 The king too responded to Jonahs proclamation. 2:13-15. What did the Lord mean in Jonah. What does his familiar and most often considered a childrens story could teach us, adults? 21 Do you see the depth of Jehovahs object lesson? Introduction: This lesson is about a man that is in a little bit of all of us. We read: Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.. In truth, though, his answer is there. Who of us is immune to such selfish tendencies? God gave us the ability to choose - Joshua 24:15. Instead of doing our part in preaching the Gospel, are we running away by simply ignoring this command, wasting our time on unproductive things, or focusing too much on the things of this world rather than the things of God? . Or lets be really honest when we think of Jonah we just think about the whale (or Big Fish). Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. Nineveh was a major city in Assyria, the world power of both Jonah and Nahum's day. The petulant prophet is perturbed that God's grace to pagans is of greater priority to God than Jonahs comfort. In addition to founding three churches, and the call as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Dr. Milton is a retired Army Chaplain (Colonel). (b)How did Jehovah deal with his distressed prophet? But Nineveh was a very wicked city. As a result of his rebellion, the Lord sent a wild storm. But what happened, did Jonah obey God with zeal and passion? Jonah later wrote: The true God got to see their works, that they had turned back from their bad way; and so the true God felt regret over the calamity that he had spoken of causing to them; and he did not cause it.Jonah 3:10. It is important to note that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was at odds with Assyria and Ninevah was a great city in Assyria. Critics have expressed what doubt regarding the Ninevites, but how do we know that the critics are mistaken? . I hope you learned something new about the story of Jonah. 6. Hi, welcome to my little piece of cyberspace! God rates his favorite children by their obedience. 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